Last Call by Randall Mann

Welcome, poetry explorers, to a journey into the evocative world of Randall Mann’s “Last Call.” This poem, though seemingly simple, offers a rich tapestry of imagery, emotion, and profound reflection on themes of beauty, loss, and the passage of time. Prepare to uncover the layers of meaning within this compelling work.

A giant bird-
of-paradise
has climbed the bar:
in this paradise

there are no flowers,
no flowers at all.
When Happy Hour
becomes Last Call—

Adam in drag
our royalty—
we buy her gin
for eternity

(an unseen deejay
scores the years
with pulsing music
of the spheres).

Now the queen has gone,
gone again
in search of love,
in search of sin.

It’s closing time.
You were not at fault.
I drain my glass
and lick the salt.

Understanding “Last Call”: Summary and Central Ideas

The poem “Last Call” by Randall Mann presents a poignant scene set in a bar, which quickly transcends its literal setting to become a metaphorical space of memory, regret, and fading beauty. It opens with the striking image of a “bird-of-paradise” in a place described as a “paradise” yet paradoxically devoid of flowers. This immediate contradiction sets a tone of loss and disillusionment.

As the poem progresses, the shift from “Happy Hour” to “Last Call” signals an inevitable end, not just of an evening, but perhaps of an era or a state of being. Characters like “Adam in drag” and a departing “queen” introduce elements of myth, human fallibility, and the pursuit of fleeting desires. The poem concludes with a sense of finality and a bittersweet acceptance of what has passed, encapsulated in the act of draining a glass and tasting the “salt” of an ending.

The central idea of “Last Call” revolves around the transient nature of joy and beauty, the consequences of human choices, and the melancholic acceptance of inevitable endings. It explores how places and relationships, once vibrant, can become empty, leaving behind only memories and a lingering sense of loss. The poem invites reflection on what is cherished, what is lost, and the often-complex reasons behind these transformations.

In-Depth Analysis: Unpacking the Layers of “Last Call”

To truly appreciate “Last Call,” a closer examination of its structure, imagery, and thematic development is essential. The poem masterfully blends the mundane with the mythical, creating a unique atmosphere.

Setting the Scene: A Fading Paradise

The opening stanza immediately captures attention with its vivid, almost surreal imagery:

A giant bird-
of-paradise
has climbed the bar:
in this paradise

there are no flowers,
no flowers at all.

The “bird-of-paradise” is a creature of exotic beauty, suggesting something rare and magnificent has entered this ordinary bar. However, the immediate contradiction that “in this paradise there are no flowers, no flowers at all” establishes a core tension. A paradise without its quintessential beauty is a paradox, hinting at a loss of innocence, vitality, or essential joy. This sets the stage for a narrative where beauty is present, but its natural context or essence has vanished.

The Inevitable Transition: From Joy to End

The poem swiftly moves to a moment of transition, marking a shift from celebration to conclusion:

When Happy Hour
becomes Last Call—

This line serves as a powerful metaphor. “Happy Hour” represents a time of ease, abundance, and joy, while “Last Call” signifies the end, the final opportunity, or the closing of an experience. This transition is not merely about a bar’s operating hours; it symbolizes the broader passage of time, the fading of happiness, and the arrival of an inevitable conclusion. It underscores the poem’s theme of impermanence.

Characters and Allegory: Adam and the Queen

The introduction of characters adds layers of allegorical meaning:

Adam in drag
our royalty—
we buy her gin
for eternity

The figure of “Adam in drag” is rich with interpretation. “Adam” immediately alludes to the biblical first man, suggesting themes of origin, humanity, and perhaps the Fall from grace. The phrase “in drag” introduces elements of performance, transformation, and a blurring of traditional identities. This Adam is described as “our royalty,” implying a revered yet perhaps unconventional status within this fading “paradise.” The act of buying “her gin for eternity” suggests a futile attempt to prolong a moment, to stave off the inevitable end, or to find solace in temporary escape.

The parenthetical stanza introduces a cosmic dimension to this human drama:

(an unseen deejay
scores the years
with pulsing music
of the spheres).

The “unseen deejay” acts as a detached, almost divine, force orchestrating the passage of time. The “music of the spheres” is an ancient philosophical concept referring to the harmonious, inaudible music produced by the movement of celestial bodies. This imagery elevates the personal narrative to a universal scale, suggesting that human experiences of joy and loss are part of a larger, cosmic rhythm, indifferent to individual sorrow.

The departure of another key figure further deepens the sense of loss:

Now the queen has gone,
gone again
in search of love,
in search of sin.

The “queen” represents a departing ideal, a lost love, or perhaps a part of the self that seeks fulfillment in potentially destructive ways. The repetition “gone, gone again” emphasizes a recurring pattern of departure and loss. Her search “in search of love, in search of sin” highlights the intertwined and often contradictory nature of human desires, suggesting that the pursuit of one can easily lead to the other, or that both are ultimately fleeting.

The Finality: Acceptance and Regret

The poem concludes with a powerful sense of closure and personal reflection:

It’s closing time.
You were not at fault.
I drain my glass
and lick the salt.

“It’s closing time” echoes the “Last Call,” reinforcing the finality of the moment. The line “You were not at fault” offers a moment of absolution, perhaps to a companion, to oneself, or to humanity in general, acknowledging that some endings are simply inevitable, beyond individual blame. The final image, “I drain my glass and lick the salt,” is profoundly evocative. Draining the glass signifies the complete consumption of the experience, leaving nothing behind. Licking the salt can symbolize the bitter taste of tears, regret, or the lingering residue of a poignant memory. It is a raw, sensory conclusion to a deeply reflective poem.

Literary Devices in “Last Call”

Randall Mann employs a variety of literary and poetic devices to craft the rich meaning and emotional impact of “Last Call.” Understanding these tools enhances appreciation for the poem’s artistry.

Metaphor and Symbolism

The “bird-of-paradise”: This creature symbolizes exotic beauty, rarity, and perhaps a fleeting moment of wonder. Its presence in a bar, rather than its natural habitat, suggests a displacement or an artificiality to the beauty.
“Paradise” with “no flowers”: This is a central metaphor for a place or state that has lost its essential beauty, vitality, or innocence. It represents a corrupted or diminished ideal.
“Happy Hour” becoming “Last Call”: This is a powerful metaphor for the passage of time, the end of an era, the fading of joy, and the arrival of an inevitable conclusion. It symbolizes finality and loss.
“Adam in drag”: This figure is highly symbolic, representing humanity’s complex nature, the blurring of traditional roles, performance, or perhaps a reinterpretation of foundational myths. It suggests a departure from original forms or expectations.
“The queen”: Symbolizes a departing ideal, a lost love, or a part of the self that seeks fulfillment in potentially destructive ways. Her departure signifies a significant loss.
“Music of the spheres”: This classical allusion symbolizes cosmic order, the passage of time, and the idea that human events unfold within a larger, indifferent universe.
“Lick the salt”: This final image is symbolic of the bitter taste of regret, tears, or the lingering, poignant residue of a past experience. It signifies a raw, sensory acceptance of loss.

Allusion

“Adam”: This is a clear biblical allusion to Adam, the first man, immediately bringing to mind themes of creation, humanity’s origins, and the Fall from grace. Its reinterpretation “in drag” adds a modern, complex layer to this ancient reference.
“Music of the spheres”: This alludes to an ancient Greek philosophical concept, particularly associated with Pythagoras, suggesting that the movements of celestial bodies produce a harmonious, inaudible music. It connects the bar scene to a grand, cosmic scale.

Repetition

“no flowers, no flowers at all”: The repetition of “no flowers” emphasizes the absolute absence and the profound sense of loss within the “paradise.” It underscores the emptiness.
“gone, gone again”: This repetition highlights the finality of the queen’s departure and suggests a recurring pattern of loss or abandonment. It intensifies the feeling of absence.
“in search of love, in search of sin”: The parallel structure and repetition of “in search of” link these two often-contrasting pursuits, suggesting they can be intertwined or equally elusive.

Imagery

The poem is rich with sensory details that create vivid mental pictures and evoke specific emotions:

Visual imagery: “A giant bird-of-paradise,” “Adam in drag,” “the queen has gone.” These images are striking and contribute to the poem’s dreamlike, almost surreal atmosphere.
Auditory imagery: “pulsing music of the spheres.” This suggests a pervasive, almost cosmic soundscape that underscores the passage of time.
Gustatory imagery: “buy her gin,” “drain my glass and lick the salt.” These details engage the sense of taste, particularly the “salt” which leaves a lasting, bitter impression.

Enjambment

Mann frequently uses enjambment, where lines flow into one another without punctuation, creating a continuous, fluid reading experience. For example:

A giant bird-
of-paradise
has climbed the bar:

This technique creates a sense of natural speech or thought, allowing ideas to spill over and connect unexpectedly. It can also build suspense or emphasize a word at the beginning of a new line, drawing attention to it.

Tone and Mood

The overall tone of “Last Call” is melancholic, reflective, and slightly cynical, yet ultimately accepting. The mood is one of nostalgia, regret for what has been lost, and a quiet resignation to the inevitable end. There is a sense of beauty tinged with sadness, a recognition of the fleeting nature of joy.

Structure and Form

The poem is composed of six quatrains (four-line stanzas), with relatively short lines. This consistent structure provides a sense of order and control, even as the content explores themes of chaos and loss. The brevity of the lines often creates a stark, impactful delivery of images and ideas, contributing to the poem’s concise yet profound nature.

Conclusion: The Enduring Echo of “Last Call”

“Last Call” by Randall Mann is a masterclass in concise, evocative poetry. It invites readers to contemplate the delicate balance between beauty and decay, joy and sorrow, and the profound impact of time’s relentless march. Through its striking imagery, rich symbolism, and subtle allusions, the poem crafts a memorable experience that resonates long after the final line is read.

The journey from a “paradise” to “closing time,” marked by the presence of a “bird-of-paradise” and the departure of a “queen,” serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of all things. The poem encourages reflection on personal “last calls” and the bittersweet acceptance that often accompanies endings. It stands as a compelling example of how a seemingly simple narrative can unlock universal truths about human experience and the enduring taste of memory.